This engaging book examines the history of the one-room school and how successive generations of Americans have remembered--and just as often misremembered--this powerful national icon.

Hopefully MEMORIES of One-Room Schools will be enjoyed by anyone that ever attended these schools, knows of anyone that did or is interested in history. Some of the things included are a brief history of one-room schools and the special state program that was legislated to solve the teacher shortage. Some topics covered in the book are: -the different languages spoken-sporadic attendance-clothes worn-"hickory stick" discipline-getting to and from school-sleigh/bob sled rides-horses ridden to and from school-where the teacher stayed-water for the school-building and banking fires-schoolhouse pests-outhouses-lard or syrup lunch pails-snowbound at the school house-subject taught-spelling bees-YCL song-special days-school picnics-description of classroom and some of the recess and indoor games played by the students. But the highlight of the book is the humorous, interesting memories of former students, parents and friends. Baked potatoes and the game Anti-I-Over appear to be favorite memories.

"While Puckett offers a valuable perspective on schooling in the twentieth-century rural South, she also captures the essence of daily life in the communities in which she taught. We read of how she sometimes boarded with the parents of her pupils; of how teachers, students, and parents joined together in observance of holidays; and of how schooling managed to continue through the busy growing seasons. Personal details of Puckett's life also emerge, from her relationship with her parents to her life at home with her husband and their eight children.".

More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she? In the spirit of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Newbery Medal winner Avi creates an inspiring story of a headstrong girl determined to control her own destiny.

As she prepares for her graduation ceremony, a first grader-to-be remembers her enjoyable year in kindergarten.